Mike Meyers' CompTIA A+ Guide to Managing and Troubleshooting PCs, Seventh Edition (Exams 220-1101 & 220-1102), 7th Edition

Mike Meyers' CompTIA A+ Guide to Managing and Troubleshooting PCs, Seventh Edition (Exams 220-1101 & 220-1102), 7th Edition

by Mike Meyers
Released December 2022
Publisher(s): McGraw-Hill
ISBN: 9781264714537

Read it now on the O’Reilly learning platform with a 10-day free trial.

O’Reilly members get unlimited access to books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.

Start your free trial

Book description

Fully Updated, Essential Skills for a Successful IT Career

Created and edited by the leading authority on CompTIA A+ certification and training, this four-color guide will help you pass CompTIA A+ exams 220-1101 and 220-1102 and become a certified IT professional with proven expertise in hardware and software. Mike Meyers’ CompTIA A+™ Guide to Managing and Troubleshooting PCs, Seventh Edition offers complete coverage of the latest exam objectives. You’ll get on-the-job tips, end-of-chapter review questions, and hundreds of photographs and illustrations.

Learn how to:

  • Work with CPUs, RAM, BIOS, motherboards, power supplies, and other personal computer components
  • Install, configure, and maintain hard drives
  • Manage input devices and removable media
  • Set up, upgrade, and maintain Microsoft Windows
  • Troubleshoot and fix computer problems
  • Establish users and groups
  • Set up video and multimedia cards
  • Administer smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices
  • Set up wired and wireless networks
  • Connect to the Internet
  • Protect your personal computer and your network
  • Install printers and other peripherals
  • Implement virtualization and cloud-based technologies
  • Understand safety and environmental issues

Online content includes:

  • Practice exams for 220-1101 and 220-1102 with hundreds of questions
  • One hour of free video training from Mike Meyers
  • TotalSim simulations of performance-based questions
  • A collection of Mike Meyers’ favorite freeware and shareware PC tools and utilities

Each chapter features:

  • Learning objectives
  • Photographs and illustrations
  • Real-world examples
  • Try This! and Cross Check exercises
  • Key terms highlighted
  • Tech Tips, Notes, and Warnings
  • Exam Tips
  • End-of-chapter quizzes and lab projects

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright Page
  4. Acknowledgments
  5. About this Book
  6. Contents At a Glance
  7. Contents
  8. Introduction
  9. Instructor Materials
  10. Chapter 1 Safety and Professionalism
    1. 1102
      1. The Professional Tech
        1. Professional Appearance and Attire
        2. The Traits of a Tech
      2. Effective Communication
        1. Assertive Communication
        2. Respectful Communication
        3. Getting Answers
        4. Expectations and Follow-Up
      3. Be Prepared!
        1. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
        2. Antistatic Tools
        3. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
        4. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)
        5. Physical Tools
        6. Personal Safety
    2. 1101
      1. Troubleshooting Methodology
    3. Chapter 1 Review
  11. Chapter 2 The Visible Computer
    1. Historical/Conceptual
      1. The Computing Process
        1. The Computing Parts
        2. Stages
        3. Why the Process Matters to Techs
        4. Breaking It Down
    2. 1101
      1. Computing Hardware
    3. 1102
      1. Computing Software
        1. Common Operating System Functions
        2. User Interfaces
        3. File Structures and Paths
        4. The Tech Utility Launch Points
    4. Chapter 2 Review
  12. Chapter 3 CPUs
    1. Historical/Conceptual
      1. CPU Core Components
        1. The Man in the Box
        2. Registers
        3. Clock
        4. Back to the External Data Bus
      2. Memory
        1. Memory and RAM
        2. Address Bus
    2. 1101
      1. Modern CPUs
        1. Developers
        2. Technology
      2. Selecting and Installing CPUs
        1. Selecting a CPU
        2. Installation Issues
      3. Troubleshooting CPUs
        1. Symptoms of Overheating
        2. Catastrophic Failure
    3. Beyond A+
      1. Hybrid Cores
      2. Process Nodes
    4. Chapter 3 Review
  13. Chapter 4 RAM
    1. Historical/Conceptual
      1. Understanding DRAM
        1. Organizing DRAM
        2. Practical DRAM
        3. DRAM Sticks
        4. Consumer RAM
      2. Types of RAM
        1. SDRAM
        2. DDR SDRAM
    2. 1101
      1. DDR3
      2. DDR4
      3. DDR5
      4. RAM Variations
      5. Working with RAM
        1. Do You Need More RAM?
        2. Getting the Right RAM
        3. Installing DIMMs
        4. Installing SO-DIMMs in Laptops
      6. Troubleshooting RAM
    3. Chapter 4 Review
  14. Chapter 5 Firmware
    1. 1101
      1. We Need to Talk
        1. Talking to the Keyboard
      2. CMOS and the System Setup Utility
        1. Touring the System Setup Utility
        2. Noteworthy BIOS/UEFI Security Settings
        3. Exiting and Saving BIOS/UEFI Settings
      3. Power-On Self-Test (POST)
        1. Before and During the Video Test: The Beep Codes
        2. Text Errors
        3. POST Cards
        4. The Boot Process
      4. Care and Feeding of BIOS/UEFI
        1. Default/Optimized Settings
        2. Clearing CMOS
        3. Losing CMOS RTC Settings
        4. Flashing the ROM
    2. Chapter 5 Review
  15. Chapter 6 Motherboards
    1. Historical/Conceptual
      1. How Motherboards Work
        1. Form Factors
    2. 1101
      1. Chipset
      2. Standard Components
      3. Additional Components
      4. Expansion Bus
        1. Structure and Function of the Expansion Bus
        2. PCI
        3. PCI Express
        4. Installing Expansion Cards
        5. Troubleshooting Expansion Cards
      5. Upgrading and Installing Motherboards
        1. Choosing the Motherboard and Case
        2. Installing the Motherboard
      6. Troubleshooting Motherboards
        1. Symptoms
        2. Techniques
        3. Options
    3. Chapter 6 Review
  16. Chapter 7 Power Supplies
    1. Historical/Conceptual
      1. Understanding Electricity
    2. 1101
      1. Powering the PC
        1. Supplying AC
      2. 1102
      3. 1101
        1. Supplying DC
      4. Installing and Maintaining Power Supplies
        1. Installing
        2. Cooling
      5. Troubleshooting Power Supplies
        1. No Motherboard
        2. When Power Supplies Die Slowly
        3. Fuses and Fire
        4. Redundant Power Supplies
        5. Modular Power Supplies
    3. Chapter 7 Review
  17. Chapter 8 Mass Storage Technologies
    1. Historical/Conceptual
      1. How Hard Drives Work
        1. Hard Drives
    2. 1101
      1. Solid-State Drives
      2. Connecting Mass Storage
        1. PATA
        2. SATA
        3. eSATA and Other External Drives
        4. Refining Mass Storage Communication
      3. Protecting Data with RAID
        1. RAID
        2. Implementing RAID
        3. Software Versus Hardware
        4. Dedicated RAID Boxes
      4. Installing Drives
        1. Choosing Your Drive
        2. Cabling SATA Drives
        3. Connecting Solid-State Drives
        4. BIOS Support: Configuring CMOS and Installing Drivers
        5. Troubleshooting Hard Drive Installation
    3. Chapter 8 Review
  18. Chapter 9 Implementing Mass Storage
    1. Historical/Conceptual
      1. Hard Drive Partitions
    2. 1102
      1. Master Boot Record
      2. Dynamic Disks
      3. GUID Partition Table
      4. Other Partition Types
      5. When to Partition
      6. Partition Naming Problems
      7. Hard Drive Formatting
        1. File Systems in Windows
        2. FAT32
        3. NTFS
        4. exFAT
        5. File Systems in macOS
        6. File Systems in Linux
      8. The Partitioning, Formatting, and Pooling Process
        1. Bootable Media
        2. Partitioning and Formatting with the Installation Media
        3. Disk Management
        4. Formatting a Partition
        5. Storage Spaces
      9. Maintaining and Troubleshooting Hard Drives
        1. Maintenance
    3. 1101
      1. Troubleshooting Hard Drive Implementation
    4. Chapter 9 Review
  19. Chapter 10 Essential Peripherals
    1. 1101
      1. Supporting Common Ports
        1. Serial Ports
        2. USB Ports
        3. Thunderbolt Ports
        4. General Port Issues
      2. Common Peripherals
        1. Keyboards
        2. Pointing Devices
        3. Biometric Devices
        4. Barcode Scanner/QR Scanner
        5. Touchscreens
        6. KVM Switches
        7. Game Controllers and Joysticks
        8. Digitizers
        9. Multimedia Devices and Formats
      3. Removable Storage Devices
        1. Flash Memory
        2. Optical Media
    2. Chapter 10 Review
  20. Chapter 11 Installing and Upgrading Operating Systems
    1. 1102
      1. Windows Versions and Editions
        1. What About Windows 11?
        2. Windows 10 Home
        3. Workgroups vs. Domains
        4. Windows 10 Pro
        5. Windows 10 Pro for Workstations/Windows 10 Enterprise
        6. What Version of Windows Do I Have?
      2. Installing and Upgrading Windows
        1. Media Sources
        2. Types of Installation
        3. The OS Installation Process
        4. Troubleshooting Installation Problems
      3. Post-Installation Tasks
        1. Windows Updates
        2. Upgrading Drivers
        3. Restoring User Data Files (If Applicable)
        4. Installing Essential Software
        5. Migrating and Retiring Systems
        6. No Installation Is Perfect
    2. Chapter 11 Review
  21. Chapter 12 Working with Operating Systems
    1. 1102
      1. Registry
        1. Accessing the Registry
        2. Registry Components
        3. Talkin’ Registry
        4. Manual Registry Edits
        5. Command-Line Registry Editing Tools
      2. Your Basic Windows Toolset
        1. System Configuration
        2. Windows Settings
        3. Control Panel
      3. Processes, Applications, and Services Tools
        1. Task Manager
        2. Resource Monitor
        3. Microsoft Management Console
      4. macOS Preferences and Features
        1. System Preferences
        2. Apple ID
        3. AirDrop
        4. Spotlight
        5. Keychain
        6. FileVault
    2. Chapter 12 Review
  22. Chapter 13 Users, Groups, and Permissions
    1. 1102
      1. Authentication with Users and Groups
        1. Standard Accounts
        2. Groups
        3. Standard Account and Elevated Privileges
        4. Configuring Users and Groups in Windows
        5. Authentication Options
      2. Authorization Through NTFS
        1. NTFS Permissions
        2. Inheritance
        3. Permission Propagation
        4. Techs and Permissions
        5. Permissions in Linux and macOS
      3. Sharing Resources Securely
        1. Sharing Folders and Files
        2. Locating Shared Folders
        3. Protecting Data with Encryption
      4. Beyond Sharing Resources
        1. Security Policies
        2. User Account Control
        3. How UAC Works
        4. UAC in Modern Windows
    2. Chapter 13 Review
  23. Chapter 14 Maintaining and Optimizing Operating Systems
    1. 1102
      1. Maintaining Operating Systems
        1. Patch Management
        2. Scheduling Maintenance
        3. Controlling Autostarting Software
      2. Optimizing Operating Systems
        1. Installing and Removing Software
        2. Performance Options
      3. Preparing for Problems
        1. Backup and Recovery Options
        2. Backup Testing
        3. Backup Rotation Schemes
        4. Backing Up Personal Data
        5. System Restore in Windows
    2. Beyond A+
      1. Third-Party Backup Tools
    3. Chapter 14 Review
  24. Chapter 15 Working with the Command-Line Interface
    1. 1102
      1. Deciphering the Command-Line Interface
        1. Shells
        2. Accessing the Command-Line Interface in Windows
        3. Accessing the Command-Line Interface in macOS and Linux
        4. The Prompt
        5. Closing the Terminal
        6. Drives and Folders
      2. Mastering Fundamental Commands
        1. Structure: Syntax and Switches
        2. Changing Directory Focus: The cd Command
        3. Moving Between Drives
        4. Making Directories: The md/mkdir Command
        5. Removing Directories: The rd/rmdir Command
        6. Running a Program in Windows
        7. Running a Program in macOS and Linux
      3. Working with Files
        1. Reading Plaintext Files
        2. Using Wildcards to Locate Files
        3. Deleting Files
        4. Copying and Moving Files
        5. Pruning and Grafting Folder Trees
      4. Assorted Windows Commands
        1. chkdsk (/f /r)
        2. format
        3. hostname
        4. winver
        5. gpupdate
        6. gpresult
        7. sfc
        8. shutdown
        9. Keyboard Shortcuts
      5. Assorted macOS and Linux Commands
        1. See Running Processes: top and ps
        2. grep
        3. find
        4. Package Managers: apt-get and yum
        5. nano
        6. dd
        7. df
        8. shutdown
      6. Scripting
        1. Script Types and Languages
        2. Ask Not What You Can Do for Scripting
        3. Here Be Dragons
    2. Beyond A+
      1. Anatomy of a Script
      2. Environment Variables
    3. Chapter 15 Review
  25. Chapter 16 Troubleshooting Operating Systems
    1. 1102
      1. Common Windows Troubleshooting Procedures
        1. Turning Things Off and Back On
        2. System File Check
        3. Uninstall/Reinstall/Update Applications
        4. Resource Requirements
        5. Recovering When Windows Breaks
        6. Rebuild Windows Profiles
      2. Troubleshooting Common Windows OS Symptoms
        1. Blue Screen of Death
        2. Sluggish Performance
        3. Boot Problems
        4. Frequent Shutdowns
        5. Services Not Starting
        6. Applications Crashing
        7. Low Memory Warnings
        8. USB Controller Resource Warnings
        9. System Instability
        10. No OS Found
        11. Slow Profile Load
        12. Time Drift
    2. 1101
      1. Troubleshooting Problems Related to Motherboard, CPU, RAM, and Power
        1. Power-On Self-Test
        2. Proprietary Crash Screens
        3. Black Screen
        4. No Power
        5. Sluggish Performance
        6. Overheating
        7. Burning Smell
        8. Frequent Shutdowns
        9. Application Crashes
        10. Grinding Noise
        11. Capacitor Swelling
        12. Inaccurate System Date/Time
    3. Chapter 16 Review
  26. Chapter 17 Display Technologies
    1. 1101
      1. Video Displays
        1. Flat-Panel Displays
        2. Projectors
        3. Common Display Features
      2. Display Adapters
        1. Motherboard Slot
        2. Graphics Processor
        3. Video Memory
        4. Integrated GPUs
        5. Connector Types and Associated Cables
      3. Installing and Configuring Video
        1. Software
    2. 1102
      1. Working with Drivers
    3. 1101
      1. Troubleshooting Video
        1. Troubleshooting Monitors
        2. Troubleshooting Projectors
        3. Troubleshooting Video Cards and Drivers
    4. Beyond A+
      1. Evaluating Monitors
        1. Resolution
        2. PPI
        3. Brightness
        4. Viewing Angle
        5. Response Rate
        6. Refresh Rate
        7. Contrast Ratio
        8. Color Depth
        9. Panel Technology
        10. High Dynamic Range
        11. Adaptive Sync
      2. Additional Display Topics
        1. MicroLED
        2. eGPUs
    5. Chapter 17 Review
  27. Chapter 18 Essentials of Networking
    1. 1101
      1. Roles Hosts Play in Networks
      2. Networking Technologies
        1. Frames and NICs
        2. Ethernet
        3. Ethernet with Twisted Pair
        4. Ethernet with Alternative Connections
      3. Implementing Ethernet
        1. The Typical LAN
        2. Structured Cabling
        3. Going Wide
    2. Chapter 18 Review
  28. Chapter 19 Local Area Networking
    1. 1101/1102
      1. Interconnecting Networks
        1. Network Addressing with IPv4
        2. Network Addressing with IPv6
        3. Domain Name System
        4. Entering Client IP Information
        5. TCP vs. UDP
        6. TCP/IP Settings
        7. TCP/IP Tools
        8. Configuring TCP/IP
        9. Automatic Private IP Addressing
      2. Installing and Configuring a Wired Network
        1. Installing a NIC
        2. Configuring IP Addressing
        3. Connecting to a Switch
      3. Network Organization and Access Control
        1. Shared Resources
        2. Organizing with Workgroups
        3. Organizing with Domains
        4. File Servers and Drive Mapping
        5. Sharing Printers
      4. Troubleshooting Networks
        1. Repairing Physical Cabling
        2. Fixing Common Problems
    2. Chapter 19 Review
  29. Chapter 20 Wireless Networking
    1. Historical/Conceptual
      1. Wireless Networking Components
    2. 1101
      1. Wireless Networking Software
      2. Wireless Infrastructure
    3. 1102
      1. Wireless Networking Security
    4. 1101
      1. Wireless Networking Standards and Regulations
        1. IEEE 802.11-Based Wireless Networking
        2. Optimizing Wi-Fi Coverage
        3. Bluetooth
    5. 1102
      1. Installing and Configuring Wireless Networking
        1. Wi-Fi Configuration
        2. Bluetooth Configuration and Troubleshooting
      2. Troubleshooting Wi-Fi
        1. Hardware Troubleshooting
        2. Software Troubleshooting
        3. Connectivity Troubleshooting
        4. Configuration Troubleshooting
    6. Chapter 20 Review
  30. Chapter 21 The Internet
    1. Historical/Conceptual
      1. How the Internet Works
        1. TCP/IP: The Common Language of the Internet
        2. Internet Service Providers
        3. Connection Concepts
    2. 1101
      1. Connecting to the Internet
        1. DSL
        2. Cable
        3. Fiber
        4. Wi-Fi
        5. WISP
        6. Cellular
        7. Satellite
        8. Connection to the Internet
      2. Using the Internet
        1. Internet Application Protocols
    3. 1102
      1. Browsing the Web
      2. Communicating with Others
      3. Remote Access
      4. Sharing and Transferring Files
    4. 1101
      1. Embedded Systems
      2. Internet Troubleshooting
        1. No Connectivity
        2. Limited Connectivity
        3. Local Connectivity
        4. Slow Network Speeds
        5. Latency and Jitter
        6. Poor VoIP Call Quality
    5. Chapter 21 Review
  31. Chapter 22 Virtualization
    1. 1101
      1. Hardware Virtualization
        1. Client-Side Virtualization
        2. Benefits of Virtualization
        3. Purpose of Virtual Machines
        4. Creating a Virtual Machine
        5. Server-Side Virtualization
      2. To the Cloud
        1. The Service-Layer Cake
        2. Ownership and Access
        3. Cloud Characteristics
        4. Desktop Virtualization
    2. Chapter 22 Review
  32. Chapter 23 Portable Computing
    1. Historical/Conceptual
      1. Portable Computing Devices
        1. Taxonomy
    2. 1101
      1. Input Devices
      2. Display Types
      3. Extending Portable Computers
        1. Single-Function Ports
        2. Networking Options
        3. Portable-Specific Expansion Slots
        4. Storage Card Slots
        5. General-Purpose Ports
      4. Managing and Maintaining Portable Computers
        1. Batteries
        2. Power Management
        3. Cleaning
        4. Heat
        5. Protecting the Machine
      5. Upgrading and Repairing Laptop Computers
        1. Disassembly Process
        2. Standard Upgrades
        3. Hardware/Device Replacement
      6. Troubleshooting Portable Computers
        1. Power and Performance
        2. Components
    3. Chapter 23 Review
  33. Chapter 24 Mobile Devices
    1. 1101
      1. Mobile Computing Devices
        1. Device Variants
        2. Mobile Hardware Features
    2. 1102
      1. Mobile Operating Systems
        1. Development Models
        2. Apple iOS and iPadOS
        3. Google Android
        4. Mobile OS Features
    3. 1101
      1. Configuring a Mobile Device
        1. Enhancing Hardware
        2. Installing and Configuring Apps
        3. Network Connectivity
        4. Data
        5. E-mail
        6. Synchronization
        7. Mobile Device Communication and Ports
    4. Chapter 24 Review
  34. Chapter 25 Maintaining and Securing Mobile Devices
    1. 1101/1102
      1. Troubleshooting Mobile Device Issues
        1. Troubleshooting Tools
        2. Touchscreen and Display Issues
        3. Apps Not Launching
        4. Overheating
        5. Update Failures
        6. Slow Response
        7. Battery Life
        8. Swollen Battery
        9. Random Reboots and Freezes
        10. Cannot Broadcast to an External Monitor
        11. No Sound from Speakers
        12. Connectivity and Data Usage Issues
        13. GPS and Location Services Problems
        14. Encryption Problems
      2. Securing Mobile Devices
        1. BYOD Versus Corporate-Owned Devices
        2. Profile Security Requirements
        3. Preventing Physical Damage
        4. Combating Malware
        5. Dealing with Loss
        6. Recovering from Theft
        7. Securing Your Data
      3. Mobile OS and Application Security Issues
        1. Troubleshooting Tools
        2. Risks, Symptoms, and Clues
    2. Chapter 25 Review
  35. Chapter 26 Printers and Multifunction Devices
    1. 1101
      1. Printer and Multifunction Device Consumables
        1. Printers
        2. Scanners
        3. Copy and Fax Components
        4. Automatic Document Feeders
        5. Connectivity
        6. Physical Installation
      2. The Laser Printing Process
        1. Processing
        2. Charging
        3. Exposing
        4. Developing
        5. Transferring
        6. Fusing
        7. Cleaning
      3. Installing a Multifunction Device
        1. Setting Up Printers in Windows
    2. 1102
      1. Configuring Print Settings
      2. Optimizing Print Performance
      3. Managing Public/Shared/Networked Devices
    3. 1101
      1. Maintaining and Troubleshooting Printers
        1. Maintaining and Troubleshooting General Issues
        2. Maintaining and Troubleshooting Impact Printers
        3. Maintaining and Troubleshooting Thermal Printers
        4. Maintaining and Troubleshooting Inkjet Printers
        5. Maintaining and Troubleshooting Laser Printers
        6. Troubleshooting 3-D Printers
    4. Chapter 26 Review
  36. Chapter 27 Securing Computers
    1. 1102
      1. Analyzing Threats and Vulnerabilities
        1. Threats
        2. Vulnerabilities
      2. Security Concepts and Technologies
        1. Physical Security
        2. Logical Security
      3. Network Security
        1. Malicious Software
        2. Malware Signs and Symptoms
        3. Malware Prevention and Recovery
    2. 1101
      1. Firewalls
      2. Internet Appliances
    3. 1102
      1. Authentication and Encryption
      2. Wireless Issues
    4. Chapter 27 Review
  37. Chapter 28 Operational Procedures
    1. 1102
      1. Implementing Best Practices Associated with Documentation and Support Systems Information Management
        1. Asset Management
        2. Documentation for Policies, Procedures, Industry Standards, and Compliance
        3. Ticketing Systems
        4. Knowledge Base/Articles
      2. Change-Management Best Practices
        1. Documented Business Processes
        2. Change-Management Process
      3. Environmental Impacts and Local Environmental Controls
        1. Temperature, Humidity, and Ventilation
        2. Hazardous Materials
      4. Prohibited Content/Activity and Privacy, Licensing, and Policies
        1. Data Classification
        2. Regulated Data
        3. Compliance
        4. Licensing, End-User License Agreement, and Digital Rights Management
        5. Incident Response
    2. Beyond A+
    3. Chapter 28 Review
  38. Appendix A Mapping to the CompTIA A+ Objectives
    1. 220-1101 Exam Objectives
    2. 220-1102 Exam Objectives
  39. Appendix B About the Online Content
    1. System Requirements
    2. Your Total Seminars Training Hub Account
      1. Privacy Notice
    3. Single User License Terms and Conditions
    4. TotalTester Online
      1. Pre-Assessment
    5. Playing the CompTIA A+ Introduction Video
    6. Mike’s CompTIA A+ Video Training Sample
    7. TotalSims Sample for CompTIA A+
    8. Mike’s Cool Tools
    9. Technical Support
  40. Glossary
  41. Index

Product information

  • Title: Mike Meyers' CompTIA A+ Guide to Managing and Troubleshooting PCs, Seventh Edition (Exams 220-1101 & 220-1102), 7th Edition
  • Author(s): Mike Meyers
  • Release date: December 2022
  • Publisher(s): McGraw-Hill
  • ISBN: 9781264714537